title: [Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: our experience and literature review].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The controversy of the choice between open and laparoscopic appendectomy still remains. The benefits as well as disadvantages of laparoscopy are well known.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a prospective 3-year clinical study (January 1, 2008-December 31,2010) with 123 patients operated on for acute appendicitis. They were prospectively divided into laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) group with 42 results and open appendectomy (OA) group with 81 results. The following parameters were analyzed: age, sex, preoperative leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) value, preoperative ultrasound finding (US), analgesic administration and histopathologic finding. The length of the operation, length of hospitalization (LOS) and complications were compared between the two groups, along with personal postoperative satisfaction estimated by telephone survey after discharge from the hospital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 90% of cases, histopathology was positive for inflammation. CRP was determined in 42 (34%) patients preoperatively, with a mean value of 59; positive histopathology finding was recorded in 31 (74%) patients with increased preoperative CRP. US was performed in 68 (55%) patients; positive US was consistent with histopathology in 44 (65%) cases. The mean time of LA/ OA was 75/72 minutes. The only statistical difference was found for LOS: 4 versus 6 days (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LA and OA are comparable for the number of complications. The slight benefit of LA offers the surgeon free hand in decision when dealing with acute appendicitis needing urgent operation.
authors.affiliation: Klinika za kirurgiju, Klinicka bolnica Dubrava, Zagreb, Hrvatska.
authors.forename: Marijan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kolovrat
authors.forename: Zvonimir
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Lovrić
authors.forename: Zeljko
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Busić
authors.forename: Fedor
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Amić
authors.forename: Vlatka
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cavka
authors.forename: Drazen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Servis
authors.forename: Andrej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Situm
authors.forename: Mislav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cavka
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Patrlj
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult